Following the world debut of the new 991-generation Porsche 911 GT3 at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the German sports car manufacturer has confirmed it is already working on a more hardcore GT3 RS variant.
Porsche’s head of GT series production Andreas Preuninger told Car magazine that a new RS is usually launched “three-quarters of the year” after the GT3 and the 991-generation GT3 RS will be no exception.
In Porsche’s calendar of new model launches, the new 911 GT3 RS follows the new 911 Turbo (expected in the next few months) and the new 918 Spyder supercar (set to debut at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show this autumn). According to Preuninger, the launch date for the new GT3 RS is in early 2014.
With the risk of upsetting Porsche’s most hardcore fans, Preuninger said the new RS model will also use the dual-clutch PDK gearbox from the latest GT3, instead of a more traditional manual box like the previous model (pictured), as the PDK “offers more involvement than the manual option”.However, the engineer admitted the transmission might be tuned for quicker shifts. The new RS model will also use electric steering, which he said is at least as good as the one on the GT3 RS 4.0.
As the new 911 GT3 will offer increased usability as a daily driver over the previous model, the RS version will have room to become more extreme than before. While the appearance will build on the 911’s classic silhouette, the new RS will have an even bigger wing than the last 997-generation model, pushing the rear firmer to the ground. There could be aerodynamic tweaks on the front too.
Weight-saving measures will include aluminum doors and a titanium exhaust system, among others. As for the 3.8-liter flat-six engine, Preuninger hinted that the new GT3 RS might match the power of the former GT3 RS 4.0 model – that means at least 493bhp. For all these goodies, the price would exceed £120,000 (€139,900/$181,300 at today’s exchange rates).
Note: 997-generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS featured in the photos
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
